Anyones horse had a tendon injury?

[charlie55]

What type of boots, bandages do you use now they are back into work? My lad had hes scan yesterday and it showed the smallest amount of imflamation on hes tendon, vet said he shouldnt really even be lame but he is a big baby! Even though its small, i want to treat it like any other tendon injury so i want to be prepared when the riding starts, long walks along roads etc (god help me), is bandaging better? Or sports boots etc? Opinions please x

 

[WoodfordFox]

Yup, my boy came off the track with a fracture and a tendon injury. Time is a great healer, I've never had any problems with the leg, but it was 8 months before I turned him out, and nine before I rode.

When I first started out, I used exercise bandages (and that was for 10-15 minutes walking at a time to begin with. Probably the best advice I received was from my 'back lady', who just said 'walk, walk, walk..'. Build up distance in walk, long before you introduce any trot work. I rode for miles and miles... but in walk just building up his strength).

Heat can be a problem with tendons, making them more susceptible to damage, so I've since used Premier Equine ventilated boots (great but found they rubbed a bit) and also Woof Wear do lots of breathable boots - I used their Cross Country boots for turnout (my boy is very accident prone) and their Ultra Boots for exercise, and they do seem to keep the legs much cooler than other boots. The Ultras are quite pricey but they have lasted really well.

I wouldn't bother with any 'support boots' that come below the fetlock, as in my experience they just pull down as the horse moves. I did use Equilibrium training wraps to begin with, but they just pulled down and the straps are narrow so you get pressure points if you try to do them any tighter.

So, phew, I'd say exercise bandages for miles and miles of walking, then use boots for protection when his leg is strong enough and try and choose something that'll keep him cool.

 

[charlie55]

Yup, my boy came off the track with a fracture and a tendon injury. Time is a great healer, I've never had any problems with the leg, but it was 8 months before I turned him out, and nine before I rode.

When I first started out, I used exercise bandages (and that was for 10-15 minutes walking at a time to begin with. Probably the best advice I received was from my 'back lady', who just said 'walk, walk, walk..'. Build up distance in walk, long before you introduce any trot work. I rode for miles and miles... but in walk just building up his strength).

Heat can be a problem with tendons, making them more susceptible to damage, so I've since used Premier Equine ventilated boots (great but found they rubbed a bit) and also Woof Wear do lots of breathable boots - I used their Cross Country boots for turnout (my boy is very accident prone) and their Ultra Boots for exercise, and they do seem to keep the legs much cooler than other boots. The Ultras are quite pricey but they have lasted really well.

I wouldn't bother with any 'support boots' that come below the fetlock, as in my experience they just pull down as the horse moves. I did use Equilibrium training wraps to begin with, but they just pulled down and the straps are narrow so you get pressure points if you try to do them any tighter.

So, phew, I'd say exercise bandages for miles and miles of walking, then use boots for protection when his leg is strong enough and try and choose something that'll keep him cool.

Thankyou hun, i think exercise bandages are the best idea too. Then i have equi-n-ice bandages and coolant for when hes finished. I start riding him monday, hes been on and still will be on box rest so that shall be fun, but vet wants me to build the leg up abit before he gets turned out, were going to start off with 10 mins down the road, then just build it up slowly, weather permitting im hoping to go for walks for about 4 months, 4/5 times a week, so any weather is fine other then snow lol. x

 

[Paddydou]

I wouldn't bother with any 'support boots' that come below the fetlock, as in my experience they just pull down as the horse moves. I did use Equilibrium training wraps to begin with, but they just pulled down and the straps are narrow so you get pressure points if you try to do them any tighter.

Agree with the vast majority of all of thise but I have found my support boots to be invaluable but they MUST be fitted correctly or they will cause an accident. The top straps must be wide not thin and you must check that they are not pinching in anyway then tighten up the top straps as tight as possible. The bottom strap is then placed so it lies along the bottom of the boot and gently supports it must not be tight! Also you must make sure that they are correctly fitting as you often see people with ones taht are too big or fitted too low on the leg. When correctly used, checked and fitted they are fantastic, when not you would be better off going naked on the legs! They are fiddly to get right at first as well.

Bandages are great again if they are applied properly.

The only other thing I would add is plenty of paddling/ cold hosing. My horses tendons were knackered when I brought him years ago and they have held up remarkably well with a bit of TLC. I always check them after each ride and will often take him down to the river for a paddle (which he loves) or hose him off if I even slightly suspect that there may be a touch of heat. Sometimes I do it for the hell of it just to be safe.

 

[WoodfordFox]

Actually, yes, I have to disagree with myself! The Woof Wear Cross Country boots offer some fetlock support, and I've found them invaluable. They do stay put and as the boots are quite rigid and straps broad, they don't have any pressure points. I've worn out the velcro on about four pairs, so I guess I rather like them...